SS Rotterdam, Museum ship and hotel in Rotterdam, Netherlands
SS Rotterdam is a former passenger steamship spanning 228 meters in length with multiple decks containing preserved cabins, dining areas, and exhibition spaces throughout its structure. Today it serves as a museum, hotel, and event venue permanently docked in the harbor.
The ship was built in 1958 for transatlantic passenger service and operated in that role for about a decade. After conversion to cruise operations, it sailed worldwide before eventually taking its current permanent berth.
The ship preserves furnishings and design from the 1950s, showing how Dutch maritime craftsmanship shaped passenger travel in that era. Walking through the cabins and dining spaces reveals how people lived during long ocean voyages.
The ship is accessible year-round without advance booking, and visitors can explore the various areas at their own pace or join guided tours. Stairs between decks are quite steep, so sturdy shoes are recommended and you should allow plenty of time for a relaxed visit.
The ship functions simultaneously as a museum, hotel, and event venue, allowing guests to sleep in authentic ship cabins while experiencing maritime history. This triple use makes it a rare example of a historic ship that remains actively inhabited and used daily.
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